Creating A Safer Workplace For Pneumatic Tools

22 January 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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Pneumatic tools (air-powered tools) are used for a lot of tough jobs and often have tough protection, but there are situations where incorrect use and poor storage can ruin an entire inventory. If the environment is tough, it's understandable that fatigue or fast-paced decision making may put your tools and support equipment in jeopardy. Take a look at what could go wrong and how to prepare your equipment for rough treatment.

Drops And Dirt, A Bad Combination

Pneumatic tools often use a precision set of locks and blocking pieces to restrict and release airflow. The trigger for the tool--whether on a finger-press handle or by pushing down on the tool--releases air to make the tool work, then blocks airflow when the trigger is released.

In many dirty, difficult jobs, there's a lot of dirt and grit in the area. Modern pneumatic tools for mechanic shops or construction zones aren't so sensitive they'll stop working from a little dirt or dust, but bigger clumps of debris or harder debris could jam up the system.

How often do workers in your projects drop tools? It's not a happy thing to think about, but it happens. A big clump of dirt that gets into the air control system could block the pneumatic tool, which either drains the air from your air compressor constantly or stops the air release block from moving out of the way.

Even if dirt isn't a problem, enough drops at the wrong angle could knock the pneumatic system out of order. The precision movement of different blocks or keys in the air release parts could knock it out of position, meaning that the air won't be released or blocked properly. If jammed, the tool won't move at all.

Convenient Storage Placement For Mobile Jobs

Proper workbenches are a great solution, but not useful if work needs to happen in multiple places. For every workstation, consider investing in rolling workbenches that have enough storage space for most tools in the area. Some workers may still have to move further away from the workstation, but it becomes easier to put tools in a good spot.

Work surfaces should be around the average height of your workers. This is so that a fatigued worker doesn't need to lift their arms too high or reach too low and drop the tool. Wheeled carts for equipment placement are helpful, but make sure that the wheels include treads and are meant for outdoor use. If you can't find a wheeled solution, ask around for caster wheels that will work and drill them in place.

Along with the workbench idea, an air compressor professional can suggest different covers and storage bins that can keep equipment clean for long term use. To avoid sapping air compressor supply or to find an air compressor that can easily shut off a leaking device, contact an air compressor expert, such as at http://www.compressor-pump.com.